As a homeowner, it is critical to understand the importance of attic ventilation so that you can prevent permanent and expensive roof damage to your home. To help, learn how to find a reputable attic ventilation contractor.
What is Attic Ventilation?
While most people understand the importance of insulating your home to reduce temperature fluctuations, homeowners also must keep in mind that homes also need fresh air throughout the attic space–no matter the time of year. Sealed attics trap excessive heat or moisture in the summer, and in the winter months, hot attic air can melt snow on the roof, only to have it freeze overnight, which creates ice dams, leading to leaks and roof damage. Attic ventilation is crucial to preventing these types of home damage. Most local building codes require proper attic ventilation in homes. Thanks to attic ventilation, homeowners can optimize the duration of their roofing system and the home’s energy efficiency.
How Attic Ventilation Works
Attic ventilation is designed based on the understanding that heated air rises. Intake vents are placed at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves, as shingled intake vents on the low part of the roof, or high on the sides of the house within a gable. Furthermore, exhaust vents are placed at the peak of the rook so that hot air can escape. This natural process, also called passive ventilation, is the most common attic ventilation technique. Typically, 1 square foot of vent should be installed for every 300 square feet of attic floor.
Before a roofer begins installing roof vents, they will determine what kind of roof vents your home requires and how many are needed based on their calculations. The type of roof vents varies based on the needs and architecture of your home, the geographic location and weather of your area, and your roof structure.
Who to Call for Attic Ventilation
Finding a trustworthy attic ventilation contractor may seem like a daunting task for many homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be. Search Google and you’ll find lists and lists of local roofing contractors all vying for your business. As is the case with most businesses, any person or group can go through the proper licensing channels and start a business with no real clue as to the work that needs to be done. This leaves most homeowners in a difficult situation trying to wade these vast listings to find the right attic ventilation contractor for their job.
It goes without saying that a roofing system, and consequently proper roof ventilation, is one of the more important pieces of your home, so it is ill-advised to leave this choice up to chance. There are several key factors that homeowners should investigate when hiring a local roofing contractor, so that they will be happy and comfortable with their choices and ultimately the money they spend on their unique projects. Similarly, it is wise for individuals to have a rough idea of what they need to have done prior to contacting contractors. This is not to say you must be an expert on all things roofing, but a low level of education will allow you to best understand your estimates.
Pro Tip: Quality attic ventilation contractors will be wildly transparent and walk you through both the project and estimate.
Similar to How to Choose a Good Roofer for Your Project, finding an attic ventilation contractor generally follows the same process. Roofing reviews are an important piece of the business, and the most important step in finding a quality contractor that you can trust.
Local Attic Ventilation Contractors
Finding a local roofer and attic ventilation contractor does not have to be a difficult job. With the wide availability of the internet, everyone has a voice and homeowners can get a wide range of (normally accurate) reviews. Do a little bit of research and ask the important question, why, and you will be on your way to finding the right contractor for the job. Ranch Roofing is always here to help, contact a member of our sales team or schedule a free estimate and you will be on your way to a proper attic ventilation installation.